What economic program, proposed by Henry Clay, emphasized a strong role for the federal government in the economy?

The American System, proposed by Henry Clay in the early 19th century, was an economic program designed to strengthen the national economy through the implementation of a series of policies that favored a strong federal government role. It included three main components: a protective tariff to encourage American manufacturing, a national bank to foster commerce and stabilize the currency, and federal funding for internal improvements such as roads, canals, and infrastructure projects to facilitate trade and transportation.

These elements collectively aimed to create a more interconnected and self-sufficient national economy, highlighting the need for federal involvement to promote growth and development. The American System stood in contrast to more laissez-faire economic ideas, which were less supportive of government intervention.

Other options do not align with Clay's vision or historical context. The New Deal was associated with Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s, focusing on recovery from the Great Depression. The Square Deal, spearheaded by Theodore Roosevelt, emphasized fairness for all Americans, without specifically outlining a comprehensive economic reform plan like Clay’s. The Free Enterprise System is characterized by minimal government interference in the economy, which opposes the principles of the American System that advocate for increased government involvement. Thus, the American System remains the most fitting answer in the context of Clay's